Hazing: Child Play or Violent Crime?

(2) visual, physical, verbal, written, or electronic contact that is initiated, maintained, or repeated after a person has been provided notice that contact is unwanted;

(3) surveillance of or maintenance of a presence near targeted person's:

(a) residence;

(b) place of work;

(c) school; or

(d) another place regularly occupied by targeted person; and

(4) vandalism and property damage.

SECTION 16-3-1710.

Penalties upon conviction for harassment.

(A) A person who engages in harassment is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than two hundred dollars, imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

(B) A person convicted of harassment against a person within seven years of a prior conviction of harassment against or stalking of that person, or when an injunction or restraining order is in effect prohibiting this conduct, is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars, imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

Clearly, we can see that all of above laws directly coincide with incidents of 'hazing.' Deplorably, these laws reflect similar views across Nation and are in incredible need of revisioning. In addition to this, Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming have absolutely no anti-hazing laws. To find out how your individual state laws are written, you can review them by going to StopHazing.org for a complete list of states.

In a report written by Greg Toppo of USA Today in 2004, there were 48 school-related violent deaths from August through June alone. In his article, he writes, 'President Bush's 2005 budget proposes a 40% drop in spending for juvenile crime prevention, following a 44% cut...' For more literature on hazing, read 'Too Cruel for School,' by People Magazine (compliments of HazingLaw.com), '511 Dangerous Traditions: Hazing Rituals on Campus and University Liability,' (Journal of College and University Law) or 'Brutal Rituals - Dangerous Rites' (the American School Board Journal).

Is 'hazing' child's play or violent crime? I'd like to refer back to list of laws above for that answer. It is plain to see that hazing groups are liken to that of sociological destructive cult groups. A shared trait of both sociological cults and hazing members, are that they both isolate their victims or 'pledges' from friends and relatives to gain private access, and better control over them. Additionally, they both tend to brainwash members or prospective members into believing their ideals and practices. A good checklist to review on cult-like behavior can be found here: Cult Checklist

As a social issue, hazing is a volatile crime that should not only be prosecuted to fullest extent of assault, battery, rape and other criminal laws; but also, any community leaders such as coaches, teachers, etc. should be held accountable for inaction to prevent hazing incidents when they are aware or condone such events. Today, hazing is still considered 'child's play' by many communities that yield a blind eye to hazing rituals. In most cases, victims are humiliated, physically tortured, mentally abused, molested, raped, and live with emotional and physical scars that may last a lifetime. Hazing victims are usually forced to leave schools, institutions and other organizations in fear of their lives.

Hazing is NOT child's play. It is a violent act or acts that sometimes leads to a senseless, fatal crime. As a parent, it appauls me that a Nationwide law has not been legislated to prevent or legitimately prosecute hazing organizations. A formidable form of 'child's play,' hazing is considered light-hearted and a simple 'initiation process' until it happens to your child, your niece or nephew, or your sibling.

There are several organizations, like StopHazing.org that advocates total elimination of Hazing and offers in-depth resources, support and a free sign-up form for individuals interested in supporting their efforts.

Hank Nuwer, a leading researcher in citing hazing incidents and deaths, has written several informative books on hazing. Per his website, hazing.hanknuwer.com, Mr. Nuwer provides beneficial resources to individuals about hazing incidents, external links, laws, and much more.

In a 'moral' and civilized society, hazing should never be tolerated. You can make a world of difference...stay informed, get involved, be aware and stop hazing in its tracks before it touches you personally.

Why some hate more than others (A)

Written by Terry Dashner

Continued from page 1

You might answer this in frustration by saying that there are many factors involved in equation of hate. I agree, but why do they boil over into hate for a human being simply because he looks different?

For next couple of weeks, I’m going to grapple with this question. I will try to avoid cliché and trite reasons as to why or why not. I will also refrain from suggesting overly simplified solutions on how to stop hate. I will speak to topic honestly from my faith, experience, and educational perspective. And yet at end of this series I will fall short, no doubt, because hate has to be actively resisted until end of time.

Nevertheless I want to throw another angle into mix that, oftentimes, gets overlooked by sociologists, anthropologist and, yes, even religious apologists. I believe oversight has to do with echelon of a demonic hierarchy that is present in world order. (I tried to spruce up word “demonic” to fit hipster’s 21st century vernacular, but “demonic hierarchy…in world order” is best I can do. Sorry.)

I hope you will continue reading this series, at least until I have finished arguing my point. At that time you are free to delete with press of a computer key. Or, you are welcome to rise to challenge that I present you at end. It’s your choice. It’s my honor to welcome you aboard for next couple of weeks. God is really, really, really good. And devil is really, really bad. That's truth!

Keep faith. Stay course. One day hate will be swallowed up in love. I promise it's true.

Pastor Tdash

Pastors a small church in Broken Arrow, OK. He writes devotional materials for his congregation. He is a military veteran and retired police officer.